--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Playing shortstop is 75 to 80 percent…" description: "\"Playing shortstop is 75 to 80 percent anticipation, knowing the hitter and the pitch being thrown.\" — Lou Boudreau" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d85/lou-boudreau-50244_anticipation_playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-an_10140.jpg" --- # Playing shortstop is 75 to 80 percent anticipation… ![“Playing shortstop is 75 to 80 percent anticipation, knowing the hitter and the pitch being thrown.” quote by Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d85/lou-boudreau-50244_anticipation_playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-an_10140.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d85/lou-boudreau-50244_anticipation_playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-an_10140.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d85/lou-boudreau-50244_anticipation_playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-an_10140.jpg) > “Playing shortstop is 75 to 80 percent anticipation, knowing the hitter and the pitch being thrown.” [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Success in shortstop relies heavily on predictive skill, reading both batter tendencies and pitch types to position oneself effectively. **In simple terms:** Shortstop demands foresight and pattern recognition. Key Takeaway Anticipation is the core skill. Themes anticipation strategy sports psychology situational awareness Mood focused determined Type instructional sporting When to use this quote - coaching drills - game analysis - player development Key Concepts pattern recognition decision making Practical Applications - training programs - performance analytics Questions to Reflect On - How can players improve their predictive instincts? - What role does data play in enhancing anticipation? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Baseball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/baseball/) [Being](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/being/) [Pitch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pitch/) [Shortstops](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shortstops/) ## Related quotes > [There's so much attached to playing shortstop that you lose your concentration on hitting, unless you're a natural hitter. There's so much to think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/there-s-so-much-attached-to-playing-shortstop-that-you-lose-your/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) > [The shortstop is a perfectly conditioned athlete. You're running out on relays all the time. You're covering second base. On every pitch, you're moving.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/the-shortstop-is-a-perfectly-conditioned-athlete-you-re-running-out/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) > [I guess heaven needed a shortstop.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-steinbrenner/i-guess-heaven-needed-a-shortstop/) [George Steinbrenner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-steinbrenner/) > [I always wanted to be a shortstop so I could play more often!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-abbott/i-always-wanted-to-be-a-shortstop-so-i-could-play-more-often/) [Jim Abbott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-abbott/) > [I liked playing with David Eckstein (former Angels shortstop). I'm not talking about players with top skills, I'm sure there were players with way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bengie-molina/i-liked-playing-with-david-eckstein-former-angels-shortstop-i-m-not/) [Bengie Molina](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bengie-molina/) > [He can run, steal bases, throw, hit for average, and hit with power like I've never seen. Just don't put him at shortstop.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mickey-mantle/he-can-run-steal-bases-throw-hit-for-average-and-hit-with-power-like/) [Mickey Mantle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mickey-mantle/) > [I was for a short time on the baseball team as shortstop, where I was no good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-hoover/i-was-for-a-short-time-on-the-baseball-team-as-shortstop-where-i-was-2/) [Herbert Hoover](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-hoover/) > [You've just got to keep playing hard. You have to remember that you are not just playing for the Twins. There are other teams…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-bartlett/you-ve-just-got-to-keep-playing-hard-you-have-to-remember-that-you/) Jason Bartlett > [If the shortstop makes an error, I am responsible. I let the batter hit the ball.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pedro-martinez/if-the-shortstop-makes-an-error-i-am-responsible-i-let-the-batter-hit/) [Pedro Martinez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pedro-martinez/) > [You are recognized by your bat. If you are the best hitting shortstop out there, that's how you win a Gold Glove. That's the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-rollins/you-are-recognized-by-your-bat-if-you-are-the-best-hitting-shortstop/) [Jimmy Rollins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-rollins/) > [I feel a lot more comfortable at shortstop, but it's no problem, I'll move to make room.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jose-reyes/i-feel-a-lot-more-comfortable-at-shortstop-but-it-s-no-problem-i-ll/) [Jose Reyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jose-reyes/) > [Different styles work for different guys... If you can handle shortstop and hit, teams will find a way to pencil you into the lineup.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cal-ripken-jr/different-styles-work-for-different-guys-if-you-can-handle-shortstop/) [Cal Ripken, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cal-ripken-jr/) > [What is the top requirement for a second baseman? A fine shortstop. I am fortunate in having the greatest shortstop in baseball, Luis Aparicio.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nellie-fox/what-is-the-top-requirement-for-a-second-baseman-a-fine-shortstop-i/) [Nellie Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nellie-fox/) > [In my opinion, I've had the greatest job in the world. I got a chance to be the shortstop for the New York Yankees,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/derek-jeter/in-my-opinion-i-ve-had-the-greatest-job-in-the-world-i-got-a-chance/) [Derek Jeter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/derek-jeter/) > [I was for a short time on the baseball team as shortstop, where I was not so good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-hoover/i-was-for-a-short-time-on-the-baseball-team-as-shortstop-where-i-was/) [Herbert Hoover](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-hoover/) ## More by Lou Boudreau > [The shortstop is a perfectly conditioned athlete. You're running out on relays all the time. You're covering second base. On every pitch, you're moving.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/the-shortstop-is-a-perfectly-conditioned-athlete-you-re-running-out/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) > [Yeah, I miss it. You don't just break off a friendship you've had with a sport, and with all those you've met all over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/yeah-i-miss-it-you-don-t-just-break-off-a-friendship-you-ve-had-with/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) > [I thank the Lord for having the kind of a career that doesn't happen very often to an individual. A lot of times when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/i-thank-the-lord-for-having-the-kind-of-a-career-that-doesn-t-happen/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) > [There's so much attached to playing shortstop that you lose your concentration on hitting, unless you're a natural hitter. There's so much to think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/there-s-so-much-attached-to-playing-shortstop-that-you-lose-your/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) > [As far as sleeping goes, you're up and ready to go at six in the morning. Spring training was always a combination of relaxing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/as-far-as-sleeping-goes-you-re-up-and-ready-to-go-at-six-in-the/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) > [The overall thinking of the shortstop covers the overall context of the ballgame. You have to know the count they'll hit-and-run on. You're thinking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/the-overall-thinking-of-the-shortstop-covers-the-overall-context-of/) [Lou Boudreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) [Explore all 7 Lou Boudreau quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/) ## More Anticipation quotes > [There is something to be said though when you have 4 or 5 guys playing with no net, there is a sense of urgency,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marco-mendoza/there-is-something-to-be-said-though-when-you-have-4-or-5-guys/) [Marco Mendoza](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marco-mendoza/) > [Long intros are cool because there's a little bit of anticipation, you know?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miranda-lambert/long-intros-are-cool-because-there-s-a-little-bit-of-anticipation-you/) [Miranda Lambert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miranda-lambert/) > [Marriages are always moving from one season to another. Sometimes we find ourselves in winter--discouraged, detached, and dissatisfied; other times we experience springtime, with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-chapman/marriages-are-always-moving-from-one-season-to-another-sometimes-we/) [Gary Chapman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-chapman/) > [“O I'm so afraid that it's true about to travel hopefully being better than to arrive. It might be all in the quest, all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brigid-brophy/o-i-m-so-afraid-that-it-s-true-about-to-travel-hopefully-being-better/) [Brigid Brophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brigid-brophy/) > [“If you come at four in the afternoon, I'll begin to be happy by three.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/antoine-de-saint-exup-ry/if-you-come-at-four-in-the-afternoon-i-ll-begin-to-be-happy-by-three/) [Antoine de Saint-Exupéry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/antoine-de-saint-exup-ry/) > [Science is not a system of certain, or -established, statements; nor is it a system which steadily advances towards a state of finality... And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-popper/science-is-not-a-system-of-certain-or-established-statements-nor-is/) [Karl Popper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-popper/) > [\[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zelig-pliskin/it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and-what-isn-t-and-therefore/) [Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zelig-pliskin/) > [The so called unconscious inferences can be traced back to the all-preserving memory, which presents us with parallel experiences and hence already knows the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/the-so-called-unconscious-inferences-can-be-traced-back-to-the-all/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [ The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with \[women\] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-kelly/the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i-do-dance-with-women-they/) [Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-kelly/) > [Many live in dread of what is coming. Why should we? The unknown puts adventure into life. ... The unexpected around the corner gives…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/e-stanley-jones/many-live-in-dread-of-what-is-coming-why-should-we-the-unknown-puts/) [E. Stanley Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/e-stanley-jones/) > [The pilot who is always dreading a rock or a tempest must not complain if he remain a poor fisherman. We must at times…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pietro-metastasio/the-pilot-who-is-always-dreading-a-rock-or-a-tempest-must-not/) [Pietro Metastasio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pietro-metastasio/) > [I am honoured to be asked to take on this role, especially as it comes at such an integral time for our relationship with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-boateng/i-am-honoured-to-be-asked-to-take-on-this-role-especially-as-it-comes/) Paul Boateng > [“I can handle Evil, but I cannot handle Anticipation.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabbo-de-la-parra/i-can-handle-evil-but-i-cannot-handle-anticipation/) [Gabbo De La Parra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabbo-de-la-parra/) > [Hope is itself a species of happiness...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/hope-is-itself-a-species-of-happiness/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [We part more easily with what we possess, than with our expectations of what we wish for; because expectation always goes beyond enjoyment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-home-lord-kames/we-part-more-easily-with-what-we-possess-than-with-our-expectations/) [Henry Home, Lord Kames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-home-lord-kames/) Browse all 758 Anticipation quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Playing shortstop is 75 to 80 percent anticipation, knowing the hitter and the pitch being thrown.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lou Boudreau" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-anticipation-knowing-the-hitter/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Anticipation" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-anticipation-knowing-the-hitter/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d85/lou-boudreau-50244_anticipation_playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-an_10140.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d85/lou-boudreau-50244_anticipation_playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-an_10140.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d85/lou-boudreau-50244_anticipation_playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-an_10140.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Playing shortstop is 75 to 80 percent anticipation, knowing the hitter and the pitch being thrown.” — Lou Boudreau", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Lou Boudreau", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-boudreau/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Playing shortstop is 75 to 80...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-anticipation-knowing-the-hitter/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-boudreau/playing-shortstop-is-75-to-80-percent-anticipation-knowing-the-hitter/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```